The period of time between Thanksgiving and the New Year is among the most heavily traveled all year long. We all look forward to the opportunity to get together with family and friends, and to share this special time of the year.
Many dog lovers cannot conceive of leaving their precious pooches for a week or two at a time, and so set out to travel with their dogs. While we love that you can’t bear the separation and don’t want to leave your dog out of all the festivities, there are precautions you need to take, and factors you need to consider. With a little foresight and preparation, holiday travel can be fun and stress-free for everyone involved – including your pet!
Canine Holiday Travel Tips
- Make Specific Reservations: If you are renting a car, taking a flight, or boarding a train – be sure to inform the company you are dealing with that you will have a dog with you. It is not sufficient to simply read their terms or policy. Speak with a representative and get confirmation that it is okay to bring the dog, gather information about how they require the dog to travel, understand if vet records are required, and understand any fees or extra costs which may apply. For instance, you may assume that your dog can ride in the cabin of the airplane with you in a crate, but the airline may restrict your animals to a cargo hold. In order to avoid any confusion, ask specific questions, and if possible, get a transcript of your conversation sent to you.
- Reserve Hotels Ahead of Time: Pet friendly hotels are available across the United States, but you don’t want to be caught looking for one late at night during the holiday season. Map out your route and make sure your pet-friendly hotel room is booked and expecting you. Floridians often forget how cold it gets in other parts of the country, and how few miles they have to travel to hit those cold temperatures. Leaving an animal alone in the car should never be an option.
- Keep the Ride Safe:Â No matter your mode of travel, a safe crate filled with their favorite toys and a familiar blanket is the best way to ensure they are secure in any vehicle.
- Consider Everyone’s Feelings: A family gathering can quickly become stressful if your dog keeps hopping up on their couch, barking at the cat, or digging through their garbage. Make sure your dog has brushed up on his manners and obedience skills before heading out for holiday travel, and remember that not everyone may see his behavior as “cute” or “endearing.” If at all possible, finding a pet friendly hotel nearby (or a relative who loves dogs!) is probably the best way to make sure that your puppy isn’t overstaying his welcome, especially in a non-dog host home.
- Keep Them Healthy: Travel can be tough on a dog who isn’t a seasoned explorer, and if he starts eating all kinds of treats he isn’t used to, you may have one sick puppy. It is best to travel with and provide the food and treats your dog is used to, and keep him confined during parties which offer too many tempting plates to steal food off of. Make sure you have your pets vet records handy in case they get sick or eat something toxic.
Finally, although you may not want to think about it – a dog in an unfamiliar situation may bolt and run. Be sure your pup has tags with your cell phone number prominently displayed, or consider a microchip so that he can be returned to you quickly. Always keep your dog on a leash in unfamiliar situations, unless your dog is so well trained that he never gets spooked or frightened. After all, we want your pet back in Sarasota safe and happy after your holiday travel is done!
The team at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training wishes you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season – and look forward to meeting many of you in 2020.
